PETERSBURG — Township Committee has thrown its support behind Boulevard Super Liquors as the sole cannabis dispensary in Upper Township.
Township Committee approved a resolution Aug. 10 issuing a municipal Letter of Support to Bayside Supply Co. LLC for a class 5 cannabis retail license at 501 Roosevelt Blvd.
“It was based on a lot of criteria but by far their presentation was the best,” Mayor Curtis Corson said.
Two others had applied for the license, including Tim Fox, owner of Yesterday’s Creekside Tavern and the Deauville Inn in Strathmere.
The endorsement is a required step for the annual license application with the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and the resolution includes a host community benefit contribution to the township.
Township Committee voted unanimously Feb. 25 to allow one retail cannabis shop on Roosevelt Boulevard, despite numerous pleas for the five members not to do so.
Multiple residents of Upper Township and Ocean City spoke out in opposition for nearly two hours but failed to sway one vote as committeemen approved a trio of measures opening the door to the business.
The township expects to earn an estimated $20,000 a month from the 2 percent tax on sales. In addition, the township would collect a $10,000 application fee, with half returned to those who are unsuccessful, and a $7,500 annual license fee.
Corson, who has been upfront about the need to increase revenue to help fund the annual budget, also believes the real estate taxes will increase for the property where the business is located, generating further revenue.
The measures create a cannabis overlay zone between the Garden State Parkway interchange and the 34th Street bridge where retail sales will be permitted at one location, create a license and allow for taxation.
Allowable hours of operation will mirror liquor stores, which operate from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
“It was a long road to get there, almost a year, and I think it’s going to be a good thing,” Corson said, noting the township has dedicated the tax revenue to three separate pots: general fund, recreation and beach maintenance/replenishment.
“I think that’s a good commitment to the community for things budgeted for every year,” he said.
The dispensary is expected to be open by next summer but the township will not be able to budget any income until the 2028 cycle, which will be based on what the dispensary pays out over the remainder of next year.
By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff